Climbing
Indoor vs. outdoor rock climbing: What’s the right experience for you?
Whether you end up at the very top of a rock climbing wall or catch a spectacular view of a valley below, each type of climbing offers its own challenges, experiences, and rewards.
Rock climbing once required a trek to a mountain or a cliff. Thanks to indoor rock climbing gyms, this sport is now accessible to urbanites who may be hours away from the closest spot. As many climbers progress, though, they face a choice — to scale the walls indoors or tackle the challenge outdoors.
Red Bull athlete Natalia Grossman knows all about the importance of pushing yourself with new climbing experiences, especially when preparing for climbing competitions.
Natalia Grossman
© Daniel Milchev / Red Bull Content Pool
“I love how every time I go to the gym I have the opportunity to try something new,” the competitive rock climbing star said.
Both settings offer distinct experiences, benefits, and challenges. Understanding indoor vs. outdoor rock climbing can help you make an informed decision about where to focus your efforts.
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Indoor rock climbing overview
Indoor rock climbing takes place in a climbing gym (also called a bouldering gym), where artificial terrain is designed to simulate various difficulties as you may find in nature. These climbing gyms provide routes for beginners and experts alike. These facilities offer controlled environments to practice and hone your skills, regardless of weather conditions. You also won’t travel as far to bouldering gyms, since you’ll find them in many cities.
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Outdoor rock climbing overview
Outdoor climbing is viewed by some as a natural progression for those who start indoors. It involves climbing on natural rock formations at climbing crags, offering a raw and exhilarating experience that indoor climbing can’t fully replicate. The allure of outdoor climbing lies in its connection with nature, the breathtaking scenery, and the unpredictable challenges that lead to adventure.
Sasha DiGiulian
© Marcelo Maragni
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Key differences between indoor and outdoor rock climbing
Indoor and outdoor rock climbing overlap in a lot of ways. You’ll find enthralling challenges and a supportive community of fellow adventurists around you wherever you tackle a route. Both types also require an investment, whether that’s in a gym membership, clothing, or gear. But there are several important differences that shape when and where you choose to climb.
Environment
Indoor climbing occurs in a controlled setting inside climbing gyms, while outdoor rock climbing takes place out in the open. For outdoor climbers, that adds new layers of consideration, like avoiding wildlife and confronting the elements like rain or snow.
Equipment
Climbing equipment needs also vary, as climbing gyms can provide the needed equipment, for a fee or included in your membership. Outdoor climbing necessitates additional specialized equipment depending on the type of climbing. Skill development differs, too — indoor climbing focuses on technique and strength training on artificial holds while outdoor climbing emphasizes adaptability to the environment.
Sasha DiGiulian
© Red Bull Content Pool
Safety
Outdoor climbing demands a higher level of self-reliance and independent risk assessment, whether you’re climbing with or without a guide. While you may not be climbing alone, you’re still further from assistance if you need it. Indoor climbing typically provides immediate access to assistance, with expert staff on standby.
Clothing
Indoor and outdoor rock climbing require different outfits best suited to each environment. For indoor climbers, most gyms recommend wearing breathable, flexible, moisture-wicking gym clothes and rock shoes. Outdoor climbers should wear moisture-wicking, windproof pants and shirts designed for outside activities. It’s also recommended to dress in base layers with an appropriate jacket to best prepare for temperature fluctuations.
Considerations to make when choosing outdoor or indoor rock climbing
Outdoor rock climbing considerations:
- Weather conditions: Climbers should check for changing weather and understand how it affects rock surfaces. Rainy or icy conditions, for instance, can make the rocks slippery.
- Safety concerns: Natural environments are less controlled, requiring more vigilance about potential hazards or elements you can’t control.
- Environmental awareness: Climbers must do their best to not disturb the nature around them, like wildlife and plants.
- Specialized gear and skills: Depending on the routes chosen, outdoor climbing requires more extensive gear and techniques. For instance, traditional climbing requires gear such as nuts and cams that you need to learn to anchor yourself.
Sasha DiGiulian climbs Lord of the Thais
© Cameron Maier/Red Bull Content Pool
Indoor rock climbing considerations:
- Gear. Indoor climbing equipment favors slings and quickdraws for security. In most cases, the gym will have all the gear you need, which means you don’t need to invest in equipment.
- Environment and safety. A pre-planned, standard route may not be as exciting as an outdoor rock climbing experience for some. However, you walk up to the wall knowing that the route is secure, with no weather or uncontrollable hazards adding to the challenge.
- Accessibility. If you don’t have a car or live far from a rock climbing destination, indoor rock climbing may be the way to go.
- Training. Bouldering gyms are excellent ways to sharpen and hone your skills in between ventures in the great outdoors.
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Making the choice: What’s best for you?
Whether you want to rock climb indoors or outdoors depends on your individual preferences, goals, and your training. If you value convenience and a controlled environment and want to climb year-round, no matter the weather, indoor climbing is more suitable. If you seek extreme adventure, enjoy nature, or have a passion for exploring beautiful new destinations, outdoor climbing is for you. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room to mix it up — you may want to dabble in the occasional outdoor adventure or try out an indoor gym when time doesn’t allow for a full trip.
Sasha DiGiulian
© Naim Chidiac/Red Bull Content Pool
When making your choice, consider the season and your location, experience, budget, and comfort level. Ultimately, experiencing both indoor and outdoor climbing can enrich your understanding and appreciation of the sport. Trying both lets you discover different climbing experiences.
Concluding your climb
In the exhilarating world of rock climbing, the destination is just as rewarding as the journey. Whether you end up at the very top of a rock climbing wall or catch a spectacular view of a valley below, each type of climbing offers its own challenges, experiences, and rewards. By embracing both indoor and outdoor climbing, you can expand your skills, deepen your connection with the sport, and explore the world’s diverse landscapes.